Internet Addiction among Secondary School Adolescents: A Mixed Methods Study

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Adolescent Psychology
• Digital Health

Background:

• Excessive internet use is a growing concern, potentially leading to Internet Addiction.
• Adolescents in Bhutan show a recent surge in internet usage, raising health concerns.
• Understanding the prevalence of Internet Addiction and associated psychological issues in this demographic is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence of Internet Addiction among secondary school adolescents in Bhutan.
• To identify psychological co-morbidities associated with Internet Addiction in this population.
• To explore factors contributing to and consequences of Internet Addiction in Bhutanese youth.

Main Methods:

• A descriptive, cross-sectional, mixed-methods study was conducted in twelve Bhutanese schools.
• Data collection occurred from May to November 2017, with ethical approval obtained.
• Quantitative data were analyzed using STATA, calculating prevalence and confidence intervals.

Main Results:

• The prevalence of Internet Addiction was 34.44% (95% CI: 31-38%) among 721 adolescents.
• Smartphone use (81% preferred, 54% used) and social networking were common, associated with addiction.
• Depression and anxiety were identified psychological co-morbidities; academic performance, social interaction, and sleep were negatively impacted.

Conclusions:

• The high prevalence of Internet Addiction among Bhutanese adolescents necessitates urgent public health intervention.
• Risk factors include home internet use, smartphone access, social networking, and nighttime usage.
• Addressing Internet Addiction is vital for adolescent well-being in Bhutan.